I never expect to talk about spring transitions in February, but the recent weather trends here in New York have proven otherwise. This past weekend was probably my happiest since New Orleans as temperatures finally allowed for al fresco brunching and strolls through Central Park. I hate to celebrate global warming, but it's hard not to smile when the sun shows its rays again.

My weekend started with a little pampering at Rossano Ferretti salon -- because why not give your hair a springtime sprucing? I'll take any opportunity to give my hair some volume, and I was more than satisfied with the outcome from this salon. With the warmer temperatures coming in, I (finally) traded my winter parka with light layering between this camel duster coat and mock-neck knit. You won't often see me in blue denim, but I guess a brighter day means a brighter wardrobe too. Who else is excited for the changing seasons? I know I'm ready to start upgrading the wardrobe again soon.

This is me in my natural habitat. Rushing through the streets of New York wearing all-black with a slight twist, of course. The brief time I spend walking outside before and after work is often my most introspective. Often times I leave work in a blur, wondering how the day has passed so quickly, or how a year has gone since I started working. It's all a part of adulting, right?

The past year of transitioning from college student to corporate girl has been one of significant change to say the least. In college your professors say they're preparing you for "the real world", but I'm not sure that anything really can. It all sort of rushes in without warning, challenging you, but also growing you every day. In hope of showing my support for anyone making the transition as well, I'm sharing five things I've learned from my first year in the corporate world.

1. Your boss won't be your best friend, but they'll be an integral part of your experience. The corporate hierarchy is a funny thing. It's a ladder that seems to never end. But maintaining a good relationship with your boss is everything, and the best thing to do is not only collaborate with them, but leverage them. Chances are your boss has done something right to get them to that level. And though you may not agree with them 100% of the time, use the opportunity to learn from them. No matter the strength of your relationship, you'll still have to spend 80% of your week with this person -- make it worthwhile.

2. Don't give up your hobbies. Time management is one of the quickest challenges you face when a full-time job comes around. It's easy to let the hours and days pass you when work gets hectic. Though I've had my fair share of long days at the office, I'm not one to let it take over my life. It is so important to maintain the passions that make you unique. Whether it's boxing or blogging, those side hobbies will fuel your energy and personality.

I've hinted on my Instagram before that my boyfriend Victor has officially embarked on his culinary career. With any career change comes adjustments, and in this case that means having opposite working schedules. Though I can't complain, as we're lucky to be in the same city pursuing what we love. 

When it comes to dating a chef, I've quickly learned to reserve weekend mornings together. We'll explore the city or grab brunch at a new spot before strolling to his restaurant near Cooper Square (pictured here). So I guess you can call this my date night morning look - a simple black dress layered for winter and made casual for daylight. These quiet morning hours have now become my favorite.

Between celebrating the holidays and welcoming a new year, my final Singapore travel diary seemed to get lost in the mix. I don't think memories of travel ever get old, so this week I'm taking it back to a December week of warmth, adventure, and a sane American president (had to throw that one in). Our second day in Singapore was spent venturing through the city, away from Marina Bay's tourist hub and into more local favorites. I've heard several times that "there is nothing to do" in Singapore, but after this busy day we only wished we had more time. 

CHJIMES

CHIJIMES is a restored convent from the 1800s now known as a place for dining, drinking, and hanging with friends. We visited before opening hours to quietly explore the area and its stunning architecture.